FROM THE DESK OF REV NIHAL FERNANDO
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we enter the season of Advent, a time of anticipation and preparation, it is important for us
to reflect on the profound meaning of this sacred period. Advent is more than just a
countdown to Christmas; it is a time for us to prepare our hearts and minds to receive the
greatest gift ever given—the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ
During this season of goodwill, let us embrace the spirit of Advent by preparing our hearts for
Christ’s arrival. Let us take time to pray, reflect, and celebrate the love of God made visible in
Jesus.
The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." It reminds
us to look back with gratitude on Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem, to look forward with
hope to His second coming, and to live in the present with joyful expectation. Advent calls us
to renew our faith, deepen our prayer life, and extend acts of love and kindness to others.
The Incarnation of Christ, the Word made flesh, lies at the heart of this holy season. God, in
His infinite love, chose to enter our world in the most humble and vulnerable way—as a baby
born in a manger. This act of love and humility reveals to us the true nature of God: a God
who is not distant but deeply involved in our lives, sharing in our joys, struggles and
sufferings.
The Incarnation is vital to us because it is through Jesus, fully God and fully human, that we
are reconciled with God. His birth signifies the breaking of darkness with light, the beginning
of a new covenant and the promise of salvation for all humanity. It assures us that God
understands our human experience and walks with us in every moment of our lives.
During this season of goodwill, let us embrace the spirit of Advent by preparing our hearts for
Christ’s arrival. Let us take time to pray, reflect, and celebrate the love of God made visible in
Jesus. Let us also share this love with others, especially those in need, so that the joy of Christ’s
birth may be known and felt by all.
May this Advent season be a time of renewal, hope and transformation for each of us.
Together, let us welcome the birth of Christ with open hearts, rejoicing in the gift of
Emmanuel—God with us.
